Former AFL cult hero Rhys Mathieson unrecognisable after wild ...

Former AFL fan favourite Rhys Mathieson might just be taking his pet nickname a little too far.

Mathieson became a cult hero when he was at the Brisbane Lions and was affectionately known as ‘the Beast’ or ‘Beast Mode’ or ‘the Barometer’ by fans.

Mathieson, 27, always struggled to cement his spot in the team during his time at the Gabba but, nonetheless, he was a shock delisting at the end of last year despite not playing a game.

Stream analysis, local footy and the biggest moments free on 7plus

Not only that, many AFL fans were even more surprised by the fact that ‘the Beast’ was not picked up by another club as a rookie signing.

So, after 72 games he found himself on the AFL scrapheap .... sparking a wild transformation.

Mathieson has been hitting the gym hard and regularly posts pictures of himself working out on his Instagram page.

He is suddenly unrecognisable from his days as an AFL player and has recently found himself being sponsored by a sports supplements company.

And his latest batch of photos of his bulging arms and ripped body have sent fans into a total spin.

The unrecognisable Beast shows of his bulging biceps. Credit: Instagram

Former Brisbane champion and Mathieson’s good friend, Mitch Robinson, was quick to respond when ATP Science announced they were now aligned with the muscled-up Mathieson.

“Yeah the beast!!” Robinson trumpeted.

And on another recent post, Robinson said: “Absolutely killing it my guy!”

Another fan asked what many Brisbane supporters have been wondering for some time: “Why the hell did we get rid of him????”

Mathieson and his good mate Mitch Robinson in the gym in February. Credit: InstagramA much leaner Rhys Mathieson goes into ‘Beast Mode’ during a clash against the Tigers in 2021. Credit: Getty Images

And another said: “He looks scary but he is really a teddy bear!????”

Tom Fullarton, who is now at Melbourne but was at the Lions for five years, simply said “ooft” when looking at the recent pics of his former teammate.

Mathieson signed with QAFL team Wilston Grange Gorillas ahead of the 2024 season, and has been named to play in the team that will face Noosa at Hickey Park today.

Last week the Gorillas narrowly lost to Palm Beach Currumbin in the season-opener.